For nearly 100 years, the Roanoke Rapids Women’s Club has been a fixture in Roanoke Rapids.
Now the building has been donated to Trail Life USA and American Heritage Girls.
In 1933, the building, located at 715 Jackson Street, was used as one of the first libraries in Roanoke Rapids, Trail Life organizers said in a news release.
In 1938, RRWC helped to establish the present Roanoke Rapids Library, first located in the old National Guard armory and later in its current location.
“Providing community service and advancing the role of women in society was their initial focus,” Trail Life leader Joe Long said. “Over the 125 years of existence of this organization, their focus has grown to include our global society as they continue to be a force for service and good in the community.”
With women's club membership declining and the costs of building upkeep and maintenance more than fundraising efforts could sustain, the club decided to donate the building, Long said, “Recognizing a desire to see their facility thrive and continue to serve the community for many years to come.”
Troop NC-0100 leaders Long and Scott Joyner are excited about the opportunity to continue the legacy of service with the building donation. “Although the building is in dire need of repair and upkeep and will cost a great deal to maintain, these new leaders are up to the challenge,” Long said. “They have been working diligently renovating another building donated to them by the Strickland Family earlier in 2014 at 7 East 2nd Street in Roanoke Rapids, part of which was the original 2nd Street Lunch.”
Since the formation of Trail Life and Heritage Girl, a Christian-based outdoor and exploration organization, Long and Joyner said in the news release, “The community leaders and businesses in Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County, and neighboring areas have been very supportive of their efforts and have recognized the good things they are doing for youth. For the Roanoke Rapids Women’s Club, this was a perfect opportunity to continue their legacy of service to the community.
“Much like the library they donated many years ago, they now have an opportunity once again to make a difference for many years to come in the life of young people.”
Troop NC-0100 now has more than 40 members and is growing rapidly. “We are trying hard to raise the money fast enough to renovate these historic facilities and keep up with the demand from the youth wanting to be a part of this organization. “
A non-profit tax-deductible organization — The Friends of Moratock Scouters — has been set up to help defray the costs of the renovations,
Anyone interested in making donations can make them out to Troop NC-0100 and mail them to 7 East 2nd Street in Roanoke Rapids or they can call 252-536-9280.
“Renovations cost tens of thousands of dollars,” the leaders said. “It is a great challenge for young people to have to fund-raise for this kind of money and still enjoy all the activities and learning experiences offered by the programs. However, youth are strong and perseverant; they meet these challenges head on as they develop great leadership abilities while learning the importance of values, service, honesty, and respect.”
For more information contact Joyner at 252-536-9280; Long at 252-586-7471, or Ann Hudomint at 252-533-9291 for more information or with questions.
Meetings are held every Monday night at 715 Jackson Street from 7 until 8:30. All youth ages 5 to 18 are welcome.